Newsletter

Truman linear park: Happy trails

THE ON-AGAIN, off-again plan to link Daffin Park and Lake Mayer with a linear park along the Truman Parkway appears to be back on again.

That’s worth cheering.

Let’s hope county and state officials are committed to getting it done this time — and doing it right.

Done properly, this 4.8-mile-long trail would be a community asset, much like similar linear parks in other cities. These projects convert strips of unused land — old railroad beds, spaces next to canals or highways, former overpasses or elevated highways — and put them to productive use. They provide outlets for people who want to walk, jog and bike, which are healthy activities that add to a community’s quality of life.

The plan to develop a linear park in this eastside area predates the Truman Parkway. It goes back to the 1970s, when officials envisioned land along Casey Canal being used to make it easier for motorists to travel between the northern and southern parts of the city. So a master plan was approved in 2001, with the park complementing the roadway.

Unfortunately, the park languished. Until now. The county’s Engineering Department has shifted out of neutral and into drive, with an eye on buying additional rights-of-way and getting final plans drawn up for this $1.9 million project. Community meetings have been held to bring the public up to speed, which is proper. However, the county must be sensitive to neighborhood concerns about public safety. It also must not back out on any promises.

In the Magnolia Park neighborhood off DeRenne Avenue, some residents fear the linear park could attract burglars and other criminals. Nathaniel Panther, the county’s civil engineer who’s on this project, suggested putting up barricades to restrict all access along the trail, and limiting entrances and exits to only Daffin Park and Lake Mayer. But that defeats part of the purpose of this project — making it easy for residents who live near this 5-mile stretch to get exercise, fresh air and sunshine.

Meanwhile, county officials should honor a pledge made 10 years ago to build a pedestrian bridge across DeRenne Avenue.

Funneling people into a marked crosswalk so they can safely traverse this heavily-traveled, east-west artery is going to do two things: annoy walkers, joggers and bikers and frustrate motorists who will have to stop. A pedestrian bridge solves two problems with one solution.

The former county commissioner for this district, John McMasters, said that a “gentleman’s agreement” was made a decade ago to construct this bridge. There’s no statute of limitations on such a promise.

Even after more than a decade, the linear park enjoys the support of many in the recreational community. It’s good to see this project take shape. It should help motivate more people to get in shape, which is always in the public’s interest.